[WATCH] New York Police Department Highlights a Vintage Emergency Services Unit From 1930

The New York Police Department has been around in the City since 1845. Starting with just patrolmen, the police force grew over time to include everything from mounted units to counter-surveillance and anti-terrorism to emergency services. In this video from the force, check out an early ESU—Emergency Service Unit—used back in the 1930s.

On April 10, 1930, Police Commissioner, Grover Whalen, established the Emergency Service Division, the predecessor to today’s Emergency Services Unit. The vehicle chosen to ferry the 57 sergeants and 399 patrolmen that comprised the initial unit was a Mack Truck. In this video, we’ll take a tour of this vintage NYPD automobile and learn all about its capabilities.

Matt Coneybeare

Matt Coneybeare

Editor in Chief

Matt enjoys exploring the City's with his partner and son. He is an avid marathon runner, and spends most of his time eating, running, and working on cool stuff.

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